The new BMW 3 Series Touring has been shown at the Frankfurt motor show, with its maker promising it will retain the dynamic handling of the BMW 3 Series saloon.
The new 3 Series estate will go on sale in late September with a range of petrol and diesel engines. For the first time in the Touring, there will be a plug-in hybrid 330e model, which will arrive in July 2020. As with the 330e saloon, it will feature a 248bhp powertrain, comprising a 181bhp petrol engine with a 111bhp electric motor, and the ability to run 39 miles on electric-only power.
At launch, the petrol engine range will start with the 181bhp 320i and the range-topper will be the four-wheel-drive M340i xDrive, which has a 3.0-litre unit with 369bhp and 295lb ft. The M340i xDrive Touring can achieve 0-62mph in 4.5sec.
All the news from the Frankfurt motor show
Diesel options will range from the 147bhp 318d to the 261bhp 330d xDrive.
All models will have an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. No manuals are offered in the range.
The 3 Series Touring also receives a new lift-related damping system for the first time. An M Sport differential is standard on the M340i xDrive and optional on higher-spec models, as is M Sport suspension.
Product manager Stefan Horn told Autocar the new Touring will “handle even better” than the old car thanks to a stiffer chassis, lower centre of gravity and weight reduction.
Entry-level models will sit on 17in wheels as standard, rising to 19in on higher specs, with full-LED headlights and tail-lights also standard. Horn claimed the objective was to prioritise the car’s looks to increase desirability, as the estate sector declines in the face of SUVs.
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Where is he?
Come on Symanski tell us all about how BMW only make exploding clown cars. Or alternatively shut the f**k up for once.
How to ruin your model lineups
Forgot to mention
Its got a smaller boot than the new V60 (500 vs529lts) boot is dwarfed by the new Focus (500 vs 609ltrs), its also smaller than an A4 Avant, but the review doesnt mention that, it just states its bigger than the last one..